Ump won't be punished for incident

May 15, 2014

ESPN.com news services

Major League Baseball will not discipline umpire Paul Nauert for briefly putting his hand on Torii Hunter's face during a benches-clearing altercation in Monday's game between the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles.

Joe Torre, MLB's executive vice president of on-field operations, reviewed the incident Tuesday and talked with Nauert on Wednesday. The Detroit News, citing a baseball source, reported that Torre and Nauert discussed how the incident could be misinterpreted by the public.

Hunter yelled at Norris, and as he made his way toward first base the Tigers outfielder moved slightly in the direction of the mound.

That prompted both dugouts to empty, and relievers from both bullpens charged toward the infield. No punches were thrown, and order was quickly restored.

During the incident, however, Hunter was taken aback when Nauert put his hand on Hunter's face as the outfielder was shouting in the direction of the Orioles' dugout.

"That's my guy," Hunter told reporters of Nauert. "He was trying to cover my mouth. I've known him too long [to be upset]. He was just saying to me, 'C'mon, T. You're way better than that.' And he's right.

"I apologize to the fans for my reaction."

Neither Hunter nor Norris is expected to be disciplined for the incident.